Michigan’s small businesses have been hit the hardest by the state government's COVID-19 response, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
A survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reporting on the experiences of businesses during the 2020 pandemic, shows that 32% of Michigan’s private-sector businesses have been closed by government-ordered lockdowns and restrictions — the highest number of business closures in the nation.
Pennsylvania had the second-highest rate of closed businesses as a result of government lockdowns at just over 30%. South Dakota had the lowest percentage at less than 6%. The average for the nation was almost 19%.
In response to surging numbers of coronavirus cases, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer implemented orders on Nov. 18 that shuttered indoor dining for bars and restaurants, closed in-person learning for high schools and also put limits on group sizes at private social gatherings, according to Michigan.gov. Restrictions were placed on group activities and casinos, and movie theaters and bowling alleys were ordered to close.
Those orders are scheduled to run through Friday, Jan. 15.
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